My art book of sleep

This chunky board book, part of Phaidon's Art Book series, features sleep-themed works of fine art from the 19th century to the present day. Many of the paintings feature slumbering figures or those on the cusp of sleep. Gozansky writes in short, descriptive phrases ("Everyone sleeps. Kids... and grownups... and babies, too") each attended by a work of art. Yoshitomo Nara's The Little Star Dweller shows a tranquil child resting, surrounded by stars; Mary Cassatt's Sleepy Baby features a napping infant. Many of the works relate to the topic more figuratively than literally, representing dreams "of giant apples" (portrayed by René Magritte's The Listening Room) and "rainbow tunnels" (exemplified by Peter Doig's Country Rock). In the morning, the sun rises with a Georgia O'Keeffe and a Roy Lichtenstein. A relatable framework through which to access broad-ranging works of art. Ages 2-4. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A joint introduction to fine art and the importance of sleep.This exquisite board book will retain its visual value forevercertainly long after children have moved on beyond the format. That said, the simple concepts in this book are conveyed with an elegance, wonder, and joy that complement the artwork perfectly. The book is separated into five thematic sections, each introduced in bold on a bright, monochromatic page with a simple statement or phrase: "Everyone sleeps"; "You need to sleep..."; "If you don't sleep enough, you may feel..."; "It's bedtime when..."; and "Dream!" Works reflecting each of these themes follow, as the text amplifies or completes the thought. The consequences of lack of sleep are portrayed by, among others, Edvard Munch's The Scream, Picasso's Weeping Woman, and Matisse's Still Life With Sleeping Woman, which is accompanied by the warning, "But don't fall asleep in your food!" Other featured artists include, among others, Hiroshige, Takashi Murakami, Diego Rivera, Georgia O'Keefe, Winslow Homer, Jordan Casteel, David Hockney, Keith Haring, Horace Pippen, and Paola Pivi (represented by an installation of life-size, neon, stuffed bears). The portraits included reflect a mix of races, primarily white and black, with one Latinx mother and child and one Asian child.Stunning, poetic, and playful, this one is a delight for all ages. (Board book. 2-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.